Classpot

The Sir John Colfox Academy

Dorset, DT6 3DTSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Sep 2023
Progress 8
+0.01
Above average
−20+2
Competition
1.0×
Not oversubscribed
118 1st-choice / 122 places
Ranking
#1,485
of 3,141 nationally

About The Sir John Colfox Academy

The Sir John Colfox Academy is a mixed state secondary school in the Dorset local authority, serving pupils from age 11 through to 18. In the most recent local rankings based on Progress 8 scores, it sits 7th out of 20 secondary schools in Dorset, placing it in the top 35% of its peers within the authority. The top-performing schools in the area include Emmanuel Church of England Middle School, The Purbeck School, and Lytchett Minster School, which all recorded higher ranking scores. The school’s Progress 8 score of 0.01 is notably above the Dorset local authority average of -0.09, meaning pupils here make slightly more progress than the typical student across the county. With a capacity of 1,024 and currently 792 pupils on roll, the school is not yet full, though it was oversubscribed for the 2025/26 academic year, receiving 160 applications for 122 places and offering 118 to first-preference families.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressRidgeway, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3DT
HeadteacherAdam Shelley
Local AuthorityDorset
Number of Pupils792
Free School Meals (FSM)23.8%
School Capacity792 / 1,024 (77% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

13 Sept 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Latest monitoring visit (13 Sept 2023): School remains Good

Source: Ofsted, 23 Apr 2018. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

12
Science LabsSixth Form CentreSports HallLibraryMusic RoomsTennis CourtsPlaying FieldsICT SuiteTheatreAstro TurfArt StudiosChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

18

Sports

DanceBasketballSwimmingGymnasticsCross CountryBadmintonAthleticsCricketRugbyHockey

Clubs & Activities

GardeningFilm ClubDramaEco ClubScience ClubDuke of EdinburghYoung EnterpriseDebate

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Sir John Colfox Academy

The Sir John Colfox Academy has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.